Surname Geddis - Meaning and Origin
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Geddis: What does the surname Geddis mean?
The last name Geddis is a Scottish surname of Anglo-Norman origin. It is derived from the personal name Geddy, which is derived from the Old French word "Gidis". The surname likely began as a nickname for a person who was considered strong, or someone who was thought to be speedy.
Geddis as a surname is found in Scotland from the 12th century. The clans of Balwaan and Drunmally claimed this surname as their own. In addition, it was also associated with the Barony of Barby340ti and used by its tenants and local families as part of their naming conventions.
The earliest recorded use of the Geddis surname was in the 13th century as part of the Barony of Barby340ti. The record mentions "Geddy son of Gerbrand de Barby340ti". It is also found in the late 14th century in a grant of land to Alan de Geddyis.
While its exact origin remains unclear, it is likely that the surname Geddis was derived from Geddy, which was itself derived from the Old French word Gidil. It is likely that the surname was used as a nickname for a person who was thought to be strong or speedy, and it is believed to have been associated with the Barony of Barby340ti and its tenants.
Order DNA origin analysisGeddis: Where does the name Geddis come from?
The last name Geddis is mainly found in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where it has historical roots that date back to the 18th century. It is believed to have originated in County Donegal in the Ulster province of Ireland. The estimated number of individuals with the surname Geddis today is estimated to be around 500.
Geddis families can still be found in Scotland and Northern Ireland, mainly around the Donegal area. Today, many individuals with the surname Geddis can also be found in other parts of the United Kingdom, such as London, England; Leeds, England; and Manchester, England. In addition, many Geddis families have spread to other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
The meaning of the surname Geddis has been disputed by historians, although most believe it to be derived from the word “gadh”, which means “dear, beloved, or good friend”, reflecting the strength and bond of Geddis families. Other theories have speculated that the surname derives from the Gaelic name “Goidhils”, which translates to “descendant of Goidhil”.
The Geddis surname continues to be used as a surname today, mainly due to its historical roots and links to both Scotland and Northern Ireland. The name can be found among individuals and families today in various parts of the world, where its meaning of “good friend” is still maintained.
Variations of the surname Geddis
Geddis is a surname of Scottish origin. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Geddies, Geddes, Geddis, Geddus, Giddes, Giddis, Giddies, Geddous, Giddous, and Johnstone. Geddis is derived from Geddes, a location in the north east of Scotland located near Elgin. It is likely a topographic name, derived from the pre-14th century Scots gud, meaning 'dale, dell, or glen', plus the addition of 'is', a locational suffix.
Geddes is a parish in the County of Moray, originally established in the 12th century when Elgin Cathedral was built. The first record of Geddis as a surname is found in the mid 16th century with the marriage of Margeret Geddis to Thomas Dog in 1567.
Geddes and Geddis are two of the most common spellings, although Geddies and Giddis are also widely seen in various documents. There are also the spellings Geddous and Giddous which are rarely seen.
Geddis is also linked to the surname Johnstone due to the popular and common practice of patronymic naming which was used in Scotland during the 16th and 17th centuries. It is likely that the name Johnstone is linked to the name Geddis and variations thereof, as was the custom during that era for a son to use his father’s name as his surname.
In conclusion, there are a number of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Geddis, including Geddes, Geddies, Geddous, Giddies, Giddes, Giddous, and Johnstone. These were adopted by different branches of the Geddis family in the area of Moray in Scotland and are used predominantly today to identify members as belonging to the same family.
Famous people with the name Geddis
- Colm Geddis: Belfast-basedNews Reporter and Northern Ireland correspondent for BBC News
- Kelly Geddis: American actress and dancer
- Phil Geddar: former English professional footballer
- John Geddes: Canadian author, magazine editor, and journalist
- Michael Geddis: English cricket player
- Brian Geddis: New Zealand rugby union player
- Neal Geddis: Scottish film and television producer
- Torrey Geddes: American drag racer
- Peter Geddis: Northern Ireland politician
- Phil Geddis: Australian actor and producer